CCYN

On the lookout for the wild orchid ‘Venus’s Slipper’ (a rare and protected species). As you walk through the woods, you are sure to come across Neottia nidus-avis (Bird’s-nest Orchid) and Epipactis purpurata (Purple Helleborine). On the grassy areas, at the edge of the woods and in the open woodland, you’re more likely to find Ophrys scolopax (Woodcock Orchid), Orchis purpurea (Purple Orchid) or Orchis ustulata (Burnt Orchid). Flowering takes place in May–June, when the plants reveal their delicate flowers, which you must neither pick nor uproot. (The protection of rare species is governed by the Ministerial Order of 20 January 1982).